Cavities 101

Posted November 20, 2017.

A cavity is another name for tooth decay. It occurs when certain types of bacteria produce acid and that acid attacks the enamel and dentin of a tooth. It then creates a hole in the tooth’s surface and alters the tooth’s health and function.

The signs and symptoms of a cavity include a toothache, tooth sensitivity (especially to hot or cold foods and drinks), and pain when chewing. You might even see the hole in your tooth. When you experience these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist here in Newport News, VA, and Hampton Roads, VA, as soon as possible. That way you can treat the cavity before it gets worse. That’s right—the cavity could grow and spread, affecting more of your tooth as well as additional surrounding teeth.

Fortunately, there are many treatments that can fix a decayed tooth. Those include a dental filling, a dental crown, and root canal treatment. If these treatments are not viable options, tooth extraction might be necessary.

It’s best to prevent cavities as much as possible. You can do so by keeping up on oral hygiene, visiting your dentist every six months, having a tooth-healthy diet, and producing as much saliva as possible regularly.

If you have any questions or if you would like to know more about cavities in Newport News, VA, and Hampton Roads, VA, please reach out to Morrison Dental Group at 757-243-1755. Our dental team is happy to help you!